Research

Kusoglu Lab Research

Our research theme is the structure-property characterization and modeling of ionomers and solid-polymer electrolytes to understand and improve their stability & functionality in electrochemical technologies - from the polymer-electrolyte and alkaline fuel cells to electrolyzers and flow batteries.

Our research approach involves data-driven design and understanding of ion-containing polymers (ionomers) and thin films at electrode interfaces, including interrogation of their transport functionality and mechanical stability as well as morphological characterization through state-of-the-art synchrotron X-ray techniques at the Advanced Light Source (ALS).

Research projects and activities:

  • Structure-Function relationships of ionic polymers for energy conversion and storage

    • Understanding transport-stability correlations in anion- and cation-exchange membranes
    • Development of characterization techniques for morphology and mechanics of polymers (with the ALS)
    • Investigation of hybrid ionomers and composite structures for multi-functional separators
    • Data-driven membrane design with Machine Learning for energy devices
 
  • Material studies for Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT) and H2NEW consortia

    • Exploration of membrane chemistries for improved transport or durability
    • Enhancing membrane durability to monitor and mitigate chemical-mechanical degradation
    • Elucidating ionomer thin-film behavior to improve electrode performance and cell efficiency 
 
  • Characterization of solid polymer-electrolyte membranes and interfaces for clean energy

    • Water-splitting electrolyzers (see our capabilities as part of HydroGen consortium)
    • Direct Carbon Capture and CO2-reduction devices
    • All-solid-state batteries 
    • Redox Flow Batteries
 
  • Electrochemical-Mechanical Phenomena

    • Understanding and mitigation of chemical-mechanical failure in solid-polymer electrolytes and interfaces
    • Fundamentals of structure-transport-deformation relationships in adaptive, functional polymers
    • Mechanochemistry in ion-containing soft matter and hybrid separators
 

Check our current openings and learn more about the opportunities to work with us!

Highlights: Materials Research

Spotlight: Clean Energy Applications

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